Botswana

Botswana is the undisputed jewel of African conservation. By choosing a “low-volume, high-value” tourism model, the country has preserved a wilderness that feels as vast and untouched as it did centuries ago. From the shimmering labyrinth of the Okavango Delta to the salt-crusted silence of the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana is a land of dramatic water and ancient dust.

Whether you are watching herds of elephants cross the Chobe River or tracking lions across the emerald floodplains, Botswana offers an intimate, exclusive encounter with the wild that is simply unparalleled.

Why we love Botswana

We love Botswana for its commitment to the “quiet.” There are no crowds here, no convoys of vehicles—just you and the rhythm of the bush. It is a place where luxury is defined by space, silence, and the expertise of some of the world’s finest guides. It is the thrill of a “water safari” in a dugout canoe and the spiritual stillness of the Kalahari stars that make Botswana the ultimate destination for the soul.

The Most Beautiful Places in Botswana

From the flooded plains to the desert sands:

1. The Okavango Delta

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. This inland delta floods annually, turning a thirsty desert into a lush, emerald wetland. Navigating its papyrus-lined channels by mokoro (traditional canoe) is a meditative experience, offering sightings of hippos, lechwe, and a kaleidoscope of birdlife.

2. Chobe National Park

Home to the largest concentration of elephants on the planet. The Chobe Riverfront is legendary for its boat-based safaris, where you can watch massive herds congregate at the water’s edge to drink and bathe. In the remote Savuti region, the landscape shifts to a rugged wilderness famous for its powerful pride of lions.

3. Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

The remnants of a prehistoric super-lake, these salt pans are so vast they can be seen from space. During the dry season, they offer an eerie, shimmering beauty perfect for quad biking and stargazing. In the wet season, they host Africa’s second-largest zebra migration, bringing the desert to life with thousands of stripes.

4. Moremi Game Reserve

The first reserve in Africa established by local residents, Moremi covers the eastern portion of the Okavango Delta. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful reserves on the continent, combining mopane forests and acacia woodlands with floodplains and lagoons that harbor an incredible density of Big Five wildlife.

5. Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)

The ultimate frontier for the intrepid traveler. This is one of the largest protected areas in the world—a land of fossilized river valleys and golden grasslands. It is the best place to see the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions and to experience the ancient culture of the San people.

Highlights of a Tour Through Botswana

  • Mokoro Safaris: Experience the Delta at eye-level with the water. Being poled through the reeds in a silent canoe is the quintessential Botswana experience.
  • The Meerkat Encounter: In the Makgadikgadi Pans, spend a morning with habituated meerkats who might just use your head as a lookout post while they forage.
  • Scenic Flights: To truly appreciate the scale of the Okavango Delta, a light aircraft transfer between camps is a must, offering a “skysafari” view of elephant paths and winding waterways below.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season (May to October), when animals congregate around water sources. However, the “Green Season” (November to April) is spectacular for birdwatching, new-born animals, and the dramatic desert migrations.
  • Getting around: Due to the remote nature of the camps, most travel within Botswana is done via light aircraft. These “bush flights” provide breathtaking views and seamless connections between the Delta and the desert.
  • Sustainability: Botswana is a leader in eco-tourism. Most luxury camps are solar-powered and have a zero-plastic policy. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and reef-safe sunblock to protect the pristine waterways.
  • Language: English is the official language and is spoken fluently across the tourism industry. Setswana is the national language, and a friendly “Dumela” (Hello) is always appreciated.